City votes to deny variance

Tuesday

Dec 17, 2013 at 11:11 AM

Cynthia Grau

A building that was larger than is allowed was the subject of a variance request made to the Pontiac City Council at its meeting Monday night.The variance request was for an outbuilding constructed for Ronald Griswold in the Bell Avenue neighborhood, recently.The building, which is a carport and was permitted to the size of 20 feet-by-31 feet, was built larger, at 33 feet-by-22 feet, and included three walls instead of two.This makes the request for a carport fall under the ordinance guidelines of a garage. It also sits closer to the right-of-way than a carport is allowed.Griswold approached the board to ask for a variance to the permit that would allow the building to stand as-is.Neighbors to Griswold reported the building to the city, and also spoke during the meeting, discussing how Bell Avenue isn’t as wide as many city streets, making right-of-way difficult to maneuver on that street. Some neighbors also feel that this would change the property values of the area.The council voted unanimously to deny the variance request, many citing the fact that approving it would just show that people don’t need to take approved permits seriously.Griswold is now being asked to make the building comply with the original permit request.In other action, the council approved naming the new dog park “Draco Dog Park,” after a sizeable donation of $25,000 was received for funding. The money will be used for fencing for the park.Total money raised for the park is approximately $32,000.The council agreed with the name in honor of Draco, the K-9 service dog companion of Pontiac Police Officer Casey Kohlmeier. The two often played in the area as exercise during their off hours.Draco and Kohlmeier were killed in an automobile accident in late October.The council also spoke briefly about installing a plaque, explaining the story of the police partners.The 2013 levy, totaling just less than $2.5 million, the same amount as last year, was also approved by the council.The council unanimously approved a new insurance package from Gallagher, which includes insuring fire trucks, law enforcement vehicles, as well as flood and earthquake insurance, other liability and workman’s compensation.Chris Brock, superintendent of streets and alleys, and Pontiac Fire Chief Scott Runyon briefed the council on winter weather and snow removal policies. With plenty of snow in the past weeks, the city has already been in full swing with snow removal.Brock explained that Pontiac Police will be enforcing the parking bans on snow routes and plows will go through and clean those routes first before they clear the side streets.Runyon explained the emergency procedures for stranded motorists, including putting people in motels, as well as housing them at the Pontiac Rec Center, because there are plenty of cots, air mattresses, blankets and pillows available.A new pump was approved for the water treatment plant. The request was for a 50-horsepower pump. It pumps 500 gallons a minute more than the 40-horsepower pump.The price of the pump is $24,835 and has been included in the budget. It was pointed out that this purchase was part of the long-term control plan.

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